1861.] CHAPTERS ON FUNGI. 265 



CHAPTEKS ON FUNGI. 



By Archibald Jerdon. 



CHAPTER VII. 



I now come to the fourth Order of the Fungi, viz. that of 

 Hyphomycetes, which is characterized by the spores growing on 

 threads or flocci, which are generally erect, and often accompa- 

 nied by a creeping (or horizontal) mycelium, formed of similar 

 threads, called an hyphasma. Many of the Fungi of this divi- 

 sion are popularly known under the general name of " Moulds," 

 and are found in all parts of the world. They are very destruc- 

 tive to all organic substances, inducing or hastening decay, and 

 even inorganic substances are not free from their ravages. 



Suborder 1. Isariacei. 



Common receptacle or stem compound ; spores terminating the 

 threads (or cells), pulverulent. 



A small but interesting group of Fungi, in some instances 

 approaching the Hymenomycetes. I shall notice the genus An- 

 thina, which approaches Clavaria in form, though not in struc- 

 ture. 



Anthina. 



Stroma vertical, elongated, dilated upwards, contiguous with 

 the at length rigid somewhat attenuated stem, fioccose, covered 

 with sporiferous flocci, free only at their apices. 



Anthina flammea, Fr. Flame-coloured Anthina. Attenuated 

 downwards, smooth, bright red-saffron, dilated above, plumose, 

 yellow. 



On dead sticks, leaves, etc. 



A pretty little Fungus, about an inch or so in height, and of 

 a beautiful red colour, with yellowish tips. It is not common, 

 and requires to be sought for among dead leaves, etc., in damp 

 woods. 



Suborder 3. Stilbacei. 



Mycelium floccose or cellular ; stem or receptacle composed of 

 compacted threads or cells, the tips of which produce minute dif- 

 fluent spores. 



In this group the stem (or stroma) is compound, as in the last, 



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